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We should play an active role to avoid a similar tragedy

Aliran is appalled and devastated by the magnitude of the death and destruction inflicted by the tsunami following the earthquake in the seabed northwest of Sumatra. The horrendous aftermath was an unexpected tragedy that has left all the affected countries numb with sorrow and misery.

We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all the families that have fallen victim to this natural disaster.

Aliran urges all Malaysians to donate generously to the Earthquake/Tsunami Relief Fund set up by the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS). Respond to this urgent call of distress with compassion.

We also call upon the Malaysian government to take the lead, in a global effort in cooperation with other nations bordering the Indian Ocean, in setting up an early warning system like the one in place for the Pacific Rim. We should play an active and urgent role in pursuing this collective effort to avoid a similar tragedy in the future.

Efforts such as this that are focussed on saving lives and alleviating the misery of people should be foremost on our agenda as opposed to material and physical development that is meaningless to the vast majority of our people.


Aliran Executive Committee
28 December 2004